Devices and methods for containing and dispensing fluid

ABSTRACT

The disclosure herein provides devices and methods for containing and dispensing fluids. A fluid dispenser may comprise a holder having a dispensing portion and a stand portion, and a fluid packet attached to the dispensing portion. The holder may comprise business information (for example, advertisements, coupons, regulatory labels, etc.). A business information display device may comprise an information display member and a cleaning product container attached to the information display member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/583,671 filed Jan. 6, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by referencein its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The disclosure relates generally to the field of fluid containers, andmore particularly, to the field of packets for containing and dispensingfluid.

2. Description

Throughout the day, a person interacts with other people and objectsthat may carry communicable diseases that can potentially gettransferred to that person. Increasingly, people use sanitizers andother products to periodically sanitize their hands and decrease thechances of becoming sick after touching a person or object potentiallycarrying a disease. A person may, for example, carry a bottle of bulkhand sanitizer on his or her person, or a business may present a bulksanitizer dispenser for its customers' or employees' use. However, theremay be times when a person does not have hand sanitizer with him or her,or when a bulk sanitizer dispenser is undesirable or inconvenient.Accordingly, it can be advantageous to provide devices and methods forcontaining and dispensing fluids, such as hand sanitizer.

SUMMARY

According to some embodiments, a fluid container for storing fluid(e.g., sanitizer, fragrance, gel, disinfectant, soap, cleaning agent,etc.) and selectively providing access to a volume of the fluid includesa fluid packet for containing a volume of fluid. In one embodiment, thefluid packet comprises at least one layer that defines an interiorcavity configured to maintain the fluid protected from an outsideenvironment (e.g., outside the packet or container, etc.) when the layeris maintained in a non-compromised state (e.g., unripped, untorn, uncut,etc.). In some embodiments, the layer of the packet comprises foil,other metal, plastic, paper and/or other materials. In some embodiments,the layer of the packet is impermeable or substantially impermeable. Insome embodiments, at least a portion of the stored fluid is configuredto be accessed (e.g., by a user, recipient of the container, etc.) whenthe layer is at least partially compromised (e.g., ripped, torn, cut,etc.), thereby allowing fluid to be selectively discharged from theinterior cavity of the packet. The fluid container additionallycomprises a holder configured to at least partially secure to the fluidpacket. In one embodiment, the holder comprises a main portion and atleast one support portion (e.g., stand, a leg, a frame, etc.).

In some embodiments, the main portion of the holder comprises a firstside and a second side. In one embodiment, the fluid packet is secured,at least in part, to the second side of the main portion. In otherembodiments, the fluid packet is attached to the support portion, eitherin lieu of or in addition to the main portion. In some embodiments, thefluid packet is partially or completely surrounded by the main portionand/or the support portion. In one embodiment, the fluid packet is atleast partially hidden from a user by the holder. In some embodiments,one or more sides or areas (e.g., the first side, the second side, etc.)of the main portion is configured to display information (e.g., acompany or person's name, contact information, coupon, advertisement,scannable code, scratch-off layer configured to selectively hide ahidden area positioned underneath it, warning or other regulatoryinformation, an instruction for use, etc.). In some embodiments, the oneor more support portions are at least partially attached to the mainportion. The support portion can form a generally unitary structure withthe main portion. Alternatively, the support portion can be a separateportion that is attached to the main portion using one or moreconnection members, features, devices and/or methods (e.g., adhesives,clips, hinges, staples, other mechanical fasteners, etc.). In someembodiments, the support portion can be attached to the main portionalong a top, side, or bottom of the support portion and a top, side, orbottom of the main portion. The support portion can be attached to themain portion along an edge of the support portion and/or main portion.Alternatively, the support portion can be attached to the main portionalong a surface of the support portion and/or main portion. In oneembodiment, the support portion is configured to maintain the mainportion in at least a partially upright position (e.g., vertical,slanted relative to both vertical and horizontal, etc.).

According to some embodiments, the fluid packet is removably secured tothe holder using one or more temporary connections, such as, forexample, adhesive layer, peel-away adhesive, other adhesive, within apocket, void or other recess or area of the holder, etc. In someembodiments, the fluid packet is permanently or irremovably secured tothe holder. In some embodiments, the removal of the packet from theholder at least partially rips or compromises the packet and/or theholder.

According to some embodiments, a fluid container for storing fluid(e.g., sanitizer, fragrance, gel, disinfectant, soap, cleaning agent,etc.) and selectively providing access to a volume of the fluid includesa fluid packet for containing a volume of fluid. In once embodiment, thefluid packet includes at least one layer defining an interior cavityconfigured to maintain the fluid protected from an outside environment(e.g., outside the packet or container, etc.) when the layer ismaintained in a non-compromised state (e.g., unripped, untorn, uncut,etc.). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the fluid isconfigured to be accessed (e.g., by a user, recipient of the container,etc.) when the layer is at least partially compromised (e.g., ripped,torn, cut, etc.), thereby allowing fluid to be selectively dischargedfrom the interior cavity of the packet. The fluid container additionallyincludes a holder configured to at least partially secure to the fluidpacket. In some embodiments, the holder includes a first side and asecond side, the fluid packet being secured, at least in part, to thesecond side of the holder. The fluid packet can be removably orpermanently secured to the holder, for example, by using adhesives,staples, or other types of mechanical fasteners, by at least partiallyrecessing the fluid packet within a void in the holder, or by fully orpartially encapsulating the packet within the holder.

In some embodiments, the first side of the holder is configured todisplay information (e.g., a company or person's name, contactinformation, coupon, advertisement, scannable code, scratch-off layerconfigured to selectively hide a hidden area positioned underneath it,warning or other regulatory information, an instruction for use, etc.).The holder can additionally include one or more predeterminedcompromising locations along the holder, such as, for example, a tear,cut, or rip line, a partially pre-cut portion, a scored portion, or aperforated portion. When the holder is compromised along the one or morepredetermined compromising locations by a user, the at least one layerof the fluid packet can also be compromised (e.g., ripped, torn, cut,etc.) to selectively provide access to the interior cavity of the fluidpacket to the user. In some embodiments, the fluid packet may includeits own one or more predetermined compromising locations that arepositioned relative to the holder's one or more predeterminedcompromising locations such that compromising the holder at itspredetermined compromising location also compromises the fluid packet atone of its predetermined compromising locations. Alternatively, thefluid packet may be positioned with respect to the holder such thatcompromising the holder allows a user to then access at least onepredetermined compromising location of the fluid packet to compromisethe fluid packet after compromising the holder. In some embodiments, atleast a portion of the holder is configured to be maintained by a userafter the interior cavity of the fluid packet has been accessed. Forexample, a portion of the holder configured to be torn, cut, or rippedand separated from the remainder of the holder when accessing the fluidin the fluid packet may include information (e.g., a coupon,advertisement, identifying information, etc.) that the user can retainfor later use.

In some embodiments, the holder at least partially encapsulates orsurrounds the fluid packet. For example, the fluid packet may berecessed within a void of the holder or sandwiched between layers of theholder. Portions of the fluid packet may be visible to a user whileother portions may be hidden from view by the holder. In someembodiments, the holder fully encapsulates or surrounds the fluid packetso as to hide the fluid packet from a user handling a non-compromised(e.g., untorn, uncut, unripped, etc.) fluid container. In someembodiments, the fluid packet includes at least one bottleneck area(e.g., a tapered, constrained, restricted, etc. area defining the sizeof an opening in the packet when the packet is compromised) throughwhich fluid is discharged from the interior cavity of the fluid packetwhen the at least one layer of said fluid packet is compromised.

According to some embodiments, a fluid container for storing fluid andselectively providing access to a volume of said fluid comprising afluid packet for containing a volume of fluid, wherein the fluid packetincludes one or more layers that define an interior cavity. In someembodiments, the interior cavity is configured to maintain the containedfluid and/or other substance (e.g., gel, lotion, serum, ointment,medicament, fragrance, etc.) protected from an outside environment whenthe layer is maintained in a non-compromised state (e.g., uncut,preserved in its original state, etc.). In some embodiments, at least aportion of fluid and/or other contained substance is configured to beaccessed when the packet (e.g., a layer of the packet) is compromised,allowing fluid and/or other contained substance to be selectivelydischarged from the interior cavity of the packet. The container furthercomprises a holder that is configured to at least partially secure orotherwise attach to the fluid packet. In some embodiments, the holder atleast partially (e.g., fully or partially) encapsulates or surrounds thefluid packet to at least partially hide said fluid packet before thefluid container is compromised or otherwise used. In some embodiments,the holder is configured to display information (e.g., company nameand/or logo, contact information, scannable code, coupon, advertisement,etc.). In one embodiment, the holder comprises at least onepredetermined compromising location, such as, for example, a scored orperforated portion, a precut or weakened portion and/or the like. Insome embodiments, when the holder is compromised (e.g., along thepredetermined location) by a user, the fluid packet is also compromisedto selectively provide access to the interior cavity of the fluidpacket. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the holder isconfigured to be maintained by a user after the interior cavity of thefluid packet has been accessed.

According to some embodiments, the holder fully encapsulates orsurrounds the fluid packet so as to completely or substantially hide thefluid packet from a user handling a non-compromised fluid container. Insome embodiments, the fluid packet is removably or permanently securedto the holder. In some embodiments, the fluid packet comprises at leastone bottleneck or narrowed region area or region through which fluidand/or other substance is discharged from the interior cavity of thefluid packet when the fluid packet is compromised.

The concepts described herein make it possible to, among other things,present customers of a business with single-use hand sanitizer packetswrapped in a holder that provides various benefits.

In some embodiments, a fluid dispenser for containing fluid anddispensing the fluid to a user comprises a holder having a dispensingportion and a stand portion, wherein the dispensing portion is coupledto the stand portion along an edge, and the stand portion is configuredto form an angle with the dispensing portion to raise a substantialamount of the dispensing portion off of a flat surface when the fluiddispenser is positioned on the flat surface; and a fluid packet attachedto the dispensing portion, wherein the fluid packet is configured tocontain fluid for dispensing to the user.

In certain embodiments, a business information display device fordisplaying information to users and dispensing a cleaning product tousers comprises an information display member configured to visuallydisplay business information; and a cleaning product container attachedto the information display member, wherein the information displaymember is configured to be torn at a predetermined location and whereinthe cleaning product container is positioned with respect to theinformation display member to allow a user access to the cleaningproduct container's contents when the information display member is tornat the predetermined location.

For purposes of this summary, certain aspects, advantages, and novelfeatures of the invention are described herein. It is to be understoodthat not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordancewith any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example,those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may beembodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or groupof advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving otheradvantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentapplication are described with reference to drawings of certainembodiments, which are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, thevarious inventions disclosed herein. It is to be understood that theattached drawings are for the purpose of illustrating concepts andembodiments of the present application and may not be to scale.

FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hand sanitizer dispenser of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizerdispenser.

FIG. 4 is a front view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the hand sanitizer dispenser of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a front view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizerdispenser.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizerdispenser.

FIG. 9 is a front view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizerdispenser.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizerdispenser.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizerdispenser.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizerdispenser.

FIG. 14 is a front view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizer packet.

FIG. 15 is a front view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the hand sanitizer dispenser of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a front view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser.

FIG. 18 is a side view of the hand sanitizer dispenser of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizerdispenser.

FIG. 20 is a front view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizerdispenser.

FIG. 22 is a side view of the hand sanitizer dispenser of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a front view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser.

FIG. 24 is an additional front view of the hand sanitizer dispenser ofFIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a front view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although several embodiments, examples, and illustrations are disclosedbelow, the concepts described herein extend beyond the specificallydisclosed embodiments, examples, and illustrations and include otheruses of the devices, systems and methods and modifications andequivalents thereof. Embodiments of the various concepts are describedwith reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals referto like elements throughout. The terminology used in the descriptionpresented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited orrestrictive manner simply because it is being used in conjunction with adetailed description of certain specific embodiments of the variousdevices, systems and/or methods. In addition, the embodiments disclosedherein can comprise several novel features and no single feature issolely responsible for their desirable attributes or is essential topracticing the corresponding embodiments.

The disclosure herein provides devices and methods for containing anddispensing fluids, such as hand sanitizer, soaps, other disinfectingand/or cleaning fluids and/or the like. With an increasing use by peopleof hand sanitizer to sanitize one's hands after touching a potentiallyinfected object or person, better and more convenient options forpresenting and using hand sanitizer are desirable. Accordingly,described herein are various embodiments of single-use hand sanitizerpackets attached to or contained within a holder.

Hand sanitizer, such as a gel comprising alcohol for disinfecting one'shands, may be packaged in single-use packets. For example, a smallamount of hand sanitizer may be sandwiched between two thin sheets ofplastic, foil (e.g., aluminum, other metal, cloth, fabric, etc.) and/orthe like. A user can easily and conveniently access the sanitizer bytearing the packet open, such as by tearing off a corner. However, therecan be one or more disadvantages associated with merely presenting handsanitizer in single-use packets. For instance, a hand sanitizer packetmay be confused with a condiment packet, such as a packet containingketchup, mustard or other edible product, by a customer. In that case, acustomer may mistakenly apply hand sanitizer to his or her food at arestaurant, ruining his or her meal. By attaching a holder to asanitizer packet, or wrapping a holder around a packet, the sanitizerpacket may be easily differentiated from a condiment packet.

Government regulations may also require that a statement, label, orwarning of a certain size or minimum size be placed on any itemcontaining or dispensing hand sanitizer. For example, the United StatesFood and Drug Administration (FDA) may require a label of a certain sizelisting any ingredients, intended uses, warnings, directions, etc. Asingle-use hand sanitizer packet, requiring only a small amount ofsanitizer fluid, may be relatively small. Accordingly, the packet maynot have sufficient surface area to include a required label.Additionally, even if a packet has enough surface area to include arequired label, a manufacturer or distributor may desire to includebranding, advertisements, coupons and/or the like on the packet, furtherlimiting the space for any required labels. By attaching a holder to afluid (e.g., sanitizer) packet, or at least partially wrapping a holderaround a packet (e.g., partially or completely wrapping a holder arounda packet), additional surface area may be created to allow room toinclude both required label(s) and any branding, advertisement, coupons,etc. that the manufacturer or distributor would like to include.

In some embodiments, in addition to allowing more room for text,graphics, images, other information and/or the like, a fluid container(e.g., sanitizer packet holder) may also allow more options for text,graphics, images, etc., and the inclusion of more intricate and durableprinting. For instance, a single-use fluid (e.g., sanitizer) packet maycomprise two thin sheets of foil with a small amount of hand sanitizersandwiched between them. Packets are described herein, at least in someembodiments, in the context of containing sanitizer. However, as notedherein, the fluid packets can contain one or more liquids, gels and/orother substances, as desired or required by a particular application oruse. For example, in any of the embodiment disclosed herein, the fluidpackets can contain sanitizers, disinfectants, sterilizers or othersterilizing agents, lotions, serums, drinkable fluids, pharmaceuticalsor other medicaments, soaps or other cleaning agents and/or any otherliquid, fluid, material or composition, A manufacturer or distributormay be limited in the types of printing that can be applied to fluidpacket (e.g., to the thin sheet of foil or other layer or membrane thatis part of the fluid packet). The layer or membrane (e.g., foil layer)of the packet may also flex and change shape as the fluid packet changesshape, distorting any printing on the layer and/or limiting the types ofprinting that can be used to only printings that can be flexed withoutbeing damaged. Additionally, once a user opens the packet, the packetwill likely be torn and thrown away. By utilizing a holder, themanufacturer or distributor may have more options with respect toretaining at least a portion of the fluid container. For instance, theholder may comprise a substantially flat and stiff piece of cardboard orother paper-based portion. The cardboard can be printed using one ormore printing techniques capable of applying text, graphics, images,etc. to cardboard or other paper-based material. In other embodiments,the holder comprises metal, plastic and/or any other natural or man-madematerial, as desired or required, either in addition to or in lieu ofcardboard (or other paper-based material). A type of printing that wouldbe damaged or cracked when flexed may even be used. The resultingprintings may be more durable, because the cardboard may not flex andchange shape as much as a packet would. Additionally, a user may chooseto retain the holder or a portion of the holder after using the packet,allowing whatever is printed on the holder or the portion of the holderto be viewed by the user long after he or she used the sanitizer packet.For example, such a retained portion of the holder can comprise anadvertisement (e.g., company name, contact information, etc.), one ormore coupons, scannable codes (e.g., QR code, barcodes, etc.) and/or thelike that can provide value to the company or source of the fluidcontainer. For instance, the ability of users to retain a portion of thefluid container (e.g., before or after use) can provide marketingbenefits to the provider of the fluid container, increased advertisingand public exposure, increased business (e.g., when and if user decideto use a coupon), etc.

Another advantage of the embodiments described herein is a potentiallower cost of manufacturing. Single-use hand sanitizer packets are, bydefinition, an item that is intended to be used once, and then thrownaway. Therefore, to be economical, packets are often produced in verylarge quantities. However, a distributor, such as a restaurant thatwishes to give each customer a packet with an advertisement for therestaurant on it, may only require a small quantity of the packets. Forexample, the restaurant may only want 10,000 packets, while a packetmanufacturer may require a minimum order of 100,000 or more packets toadd customized advertisements or labeling to its packets. By using aholder, however, the restaurant may order 10,000 standard (i.e. notcustomized) packets at a reasonable price, then have 10,000 customholders produced and attached to the packets.

Some embodiments described herein may additionally enable better controlof the rate of dispensing hand sanitizer during use. Since a single-usehand sanitizer packet may typically be made of a thin material, a usermay choose to tear the packet open in various locations. If the usertears the packet open in one location, the tear may result in a smallopening that does not allow the sanitizer to be dispensed quickly enoughor that creates a “nozzle” effect, causing sanitizer to squirt out in anuncontrolled fashion when the packet is squeezed. On the other hand, ifthe user tears the packet open in another location, the tear may resultin a large opening that dispenses more sanitizer than the user desireswhen the user squeezes the packet. By attaching the packet to orwrapping the packet in a holder, more control over the packet's openingsize may be achieved. For example, a cardboard holder attached to thepacket may have a perforated line that crosses the packet in an optimumtear path. Because the holder may be made of material substantiallythicker than the packet, and substantially more resistant to tearing,the user may be encouraged to open the packet along the perforated tearline, creating an optimum-sized opening in the packet for dispensing thesanitizer at an optimum rate.

Some hand sanitizer packets may utilize a bottleneck style opening,creating a constrained flow area of the packet, and allowing a user moretolerance in where he or she chooses to tear off a piece of the packetwhile still maintaining an optimum opening size. Additionally, a holder,as described in various embodiments herein, may create a similarbottleneck style opening in a packet that does not already have such anopening. For example, a holder may compress certain areas of a packet,allowing no sanitizer to flow through the compressed area, but onlythrough a non-compressed area, creating an optimum flow rate.

In an embodiment a conventional sanitizer packet is at least partially(e.g., partially or completely) “wrapped” or contained within anotherpackage, for example a holder or cardboard package. The packet may becompletely wrapped, such that it is not visible to a user, or the packetmay be partially wrapped, allowing the user to see at least a portion ofthe sanitizer packet. The sanitizer packet can be glued to the holder,held in place by friction, attached in various other ways, or evenencased inside the holder with no physical attachment to the holder. Theholder can be made of various materials, such as cardboard, plastic, orany other material sufficient to perform the functions described herein,and can be constructed in a multitude of ways to wrap the sanitizerpacket or to attach to the packet. One advantage of utilizing a holder,as described above, is to differentiate between a packet that consumersare used to as containing a food item or condiment (such as sugar, salt,pepper or ketchup) and switching the touch and feel of the packet tosomething that is new and unique and something that is not thought of asa packet containing a food item or condiment. This can be important forconsumers and eaters who may open up a packet without looking at itcarefully.

By utilizing the embodiments described herein, businesses, such asrestaurants, can offer sanitizer packets for their customers in avariety of holder types. One advantage is that the holder can befabricated from a variety of different material choices. In contrast, asanitizer packet itself is usually made from a selection of just a fewlimited materials. One reason for this is that hand sanitizer itself canbe corrosive and can eat away at some packaging types.

Using different materials for the holder can further set apart abusiness from its competitors by being able to decorate the holderhowever they see fit. If, for example, the holder is made from paper orcardboard, the holder can be foiled and embossed, printed on in avariety of patterns, etc. The packet can therefore be presented in a waythat is new and unique.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an embodiment of a sanitizer dispenser 1. FIG. 1 is aside view of the sanitizer dispenser 1, and FIG. 2 is a perspective viewof the fluid (e.g., sanitizer) dispenser or container 1. Fluid (e.g.,sanitizer) container or dispenser 1 comprises a holder having a frontand a back and two collapsible sides, and a fluid (e.g., sanitizer)packet 3. A front portion of the container can comprise a dispensingportion, while a back portion of the container can comprise at least onesupport portion (e.g., stand). In this embodiment, the sanitizer packet3 is glued or otherwise adhered to the inside of the holder of dispenser1. The two collapsible sides of the holder of dispenser 1 can fold alongthe dashed line shown in FIG. 1 to allow the dispenser 1 to be in a flatconfiguration or an expanded configuration.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show dispenser 1 in a partially expanded configuration. Itmay be advantageous to put dispenser 1 in the expanded or partiallyexpanded configuration for presentation of dispenser 1 standing up, forexample, on a restaurant table or counter. It may be advantageous to putfluid container or dispenser 1 in the flat configuration to take up lessspace during shipping or transportation, or, for example, to presentdispenser 1 lying flat on a restaurant table or counter. Dispenser 1 canbe set up on a dining table in a restaurant much like a tradition forkand knife setting.

As described above, the holder of dispenser 1 can be made out of variousmaterials and attached to packet 3 in various ways. Additionally, theholder can be various shapes and sizes. For example, FIG. 3 showsperspective view of an embodiment of a sanitizer dispenser 1 b, having aholder with a perforation 4, and a sanitizer packet 3, that is similarto the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, but comprising differentdimensions and having the packet 3 and perforation 4 in differentlocations.

The holders of dispensers 1 and 1 b may comprise information displaymembers and may include advertising, business information, coupons, oranything else the distributor or manufacturer desires to display onfront surfaces 5 and 6 or any other surfaces of dispenser 1 and 1 b. Forexample, a restaurant may include a coupon on front surface 5 or 6, andany required FDA label on a back, side, or interior surface.

A perforation or other compromising feature 4 can be included into theholders of dispensers 1 and 1 b and may be aligned with a perforation onpacket 3 to make for easy opening of packet 3. For example, acompromising feature can include a cut, a perforation, a scored portion,an illustrated cut line and/or the like. For any of the embodiments,illustrated herein, the compromising feature can be included on thefluid packet and/or an adjacent holder. Thus, when a holder iscompromised, the fluid packet can also be at least partially cut or tornto access the contents of the packet (e.g., sanitizer or substancecontained within an interior cavity defined by an outer foil or otherlayer). Alternatively, packet 3 may not have a perforation, butperforation 4 may still guide a user in the opening of packet 3. Itshould be noted that, while several embodiments described herein includea perforation in the holder and/or packet to assist a user in dispensingthe sanitizer, alternate embodiments may include other means to assist auser in dispensing the sanitizer. For example, instead of a perforation,a holder may include a guiding solid or dashed line or lines printed onthe surface to show a user where he or she should tear the holder. Aguiding line may even be combined with a perforation.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispensercomprising a holder 2 and a sanitizer packet 3. FIG. 4 shows a frontview of the dispenser, and FIG. 5 shows a side view of the dispenser.The holder 2 can be substantially rectangular and flat in shape, asshown herein. However, in other embodiments, the holder comprises one ormore other shapes, orientations, configuration or designs, as desired orrequired by a particular application or use. In this embodiment, asshown in FIG. 5, the fluid packet 3 does not extend beyond an outerenvelope size of the holder 2. The packet 3 may be substantially flushwith a surface of holder 2 by being attached within a depression of asurface of holder 2. Alternatively, the packet 3 may be enclosed withinholder 2, for example by being sandwiched between a front and backsurface of holder 2.

The embodiment of a dispenser shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 allows a fluidpacket to be presented in a space saving manner. The dispenser may be,for example, smaller than the dispenser 1 of FIG. 1, because it does nothave collapsible sides to allow it to have an expanded configuration.The relatively small size of the dispenser in FIGS. 4 and 5 can alsoenable a person to more easily carry the dispenser, such as in aperson's shirt or pants pocket, for use when needed.

The illustrated holder 2 (or any of the holder embodiments disclosedherein) can comprise one or more materials that feel unique as comparedto, for example, a food container or packet. For example, the surfacemay have a specific texture, or the holder 2 may be substantially stiff.This, among other things, can allow for customer safety in that thecustomer will not assume there is food in holder 2 because of its feel.

As with other embodiments, advertising and other graphics, images, orwording can be printed on the surface(s) of holder 2. An advantage of acompact dispenser, such as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, is that it is easyfor a person to carry around. A restaurant may, for example, include acoupon on holder 2, intending for customers to carry the dispenseraround with them and reminding them to return to the restaurant whenthey look at the coupon on the dispenser.

FIG. 6 is a front view of an embodiment of a container (e.g., handsanitizer dispenser) comprising a holder 10 attached to a fluid (e.g.,hand sanitizer) packet 3. The holder 10 can be configured to lie orotherwise be positioned substantially flat against or adjacent to thepacket 3. The holder 10 may alternatively be configured to be a flap orother extension that pivots or extends outwardly and provides a stand tostand the packet 3 up on (e.g., vertically, diagonally, at an anglerelative to horizontal or vertical, etc.), for example, angled relativeto a base surface (e.g., a restaurant counter or table, exhibit table,etc.). The holder 10 may include advertisements, coupons, graphics,images, text, scannable codes, and the like. In some embodiments, theholder 10 is detachable or otherwise separable from the packet 3 toallow a user to keep the holder (such as to keep the coupon printed onit) after using and throwing away the packet 3. For example, the holdercan be cut or torn from the packet (e.g., using one's hands eitherroughly or along a perforated, scored or other compromised feature),separated by pulling the holder away from the packet (e.g., to overcomeconnection forces imparted by adhesives, staples, other mechanicalconnections, etc.) and/or the like.

As shown in FIG. 6, while some embodiments comprise a holder that islarger than a sanitizer packet, this dispenser comprises a holder 10that is smaller than the packet 3. In any of the embodiments disclosedherein, the packet can be smaller, larger or the exactly or generallythe same size as the holder, as desired or required. The holder 10 maybe used to change the look and feel of the packet 3 while not having tochange (e.g., increasing) the size of the packet, thereby allowing foreasy storage and transportation of the packet. Additionally, having theholder 10 attached to the packet 3 is likely to discourage customer orother users who may encounter the container to treat the contents (e.g.sanitizer, other fluids, etc.) as food, a condiment (e.g., a ketchuppacket) or other edible or otherwise ingestible item.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a container ordispenser 20 comprising a holder having a front surface 5, and a packet3 having a perforation or other compromised feature 4 (e.g., scoring,precut feature, etc.) for opening the packet 3. In the illustratedcontainer 20, the packet 3 extends beyond a top edge of the holder. Whena user desires to dispense the sanitizer or other stored fluid, geland/or other substance, the user may tear open the packet 3 along theperforation 4 without having to tear the holder. Alternatively, theinterior cavity of the packet 3 that is configured to store the desiredfluid or other substance can be accessed in one or more other methods,as desired or required, such as, for example, ripping, cutting,squeezing or otherwise manipulating one or more portions of the packet,holder or other portion of the container. This may be desirable if, forinstance, a restaurant wants the customer to be able to keep anundamaged holder after dispensing the sanitizer. A restaurant maydetermine that a customer is less likely to throw the holder away if thecustomer does not have to tear the holder to dispense the sanitizer orother contained fluid or substance.

With continued reference to FIG. 7, the packet 3 may be glued, adheredor otherwise attached (e.g., permanently or temporally) to the holder orattached in various other ways. The packet 3 may be attached to aninside surface of the holder, with a top of the packet 3 protrudingthrough an opening at or near the top edge of the holder. Alternatively,the packet 3 may be attached to an outside surface of the holder,eliminating any need for an opening at or near the top edge of theholder. Further, in another embodiment, the holder comprises a frontportion and a back portion, with the packet 3 being attached to aninside surface of the front portion, and the back portion being attachedto the front portion and/or the packet 3, allowing the top part of thepacket 3 to extend above the holder. In any of the embodiments disclosedherein, a packet can be secured to one or more portions of the holderusing one or more connection devices, feature or methods, such as, forexample, adhesives, stitching, clips, staples, other mechanical devices,pressure connections, slots or other slidable connections, etc.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a container ordispenser 21 comprising a holder and a packet 3 having perforations orother compromising features 4 for opening the packet 3 and accessing thefluids and/or other substances stored within its internal cavity (e.g.,sanitizer, cleaning products, other fluids, etc.). As shown, theillustrated container or dispenser 21 comprises a slightly differentdesign than the embodiment shown in FIG. 7. For example, the embodimentof FIG. 8 comprises a different shape and size than the one of FIG. 7.It will be appreciated that the size, shape, orientation and otherproperties of the containers illustrated and disclosed herein can bevaried, as desired or required for a particular application or use.Additionally, the packet 3 protrudes from a side of the holder ofdispenser 21 instead of from the top of the holder of dispenser 20.

FIG. 9 shows a front view of an embodiment of a container 22 comprisinga holder and a packet 3 having a compromising feature 4(e.g.,perforations, scoring, pre-cut lines or design, etc.) for readily andconveniently opening the packet 3 to access its interior cavity whichcontains the desired fluid or other substance (e.g., sanitizer, cleaningproduct, gel, lotion, etc.). The illustrated container 22, which issimilar in design and function to the dispenser shown in FIGS. 4 and 5,comprises a packet 3 that extends beyond an edge of the holder.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizerdispenser comprising a holder having a base 6 and a sanitizer packet 3.The dispenser shown in FIG. 10 is similar in design and function to thedispenser 20 shown in FIG. 7, except, instead of having collapsible sidewalls, the dispenser of FIG. 10 has a base 6.

The base 6 can enable the dispenser to stand up on, for example, arestaurant counter or table. The base 6 may be configured to becollapsible, allowing the dispenser to have a flat configuration and anextended configuration, as has already been described in otherembodiments. As with some other embodiments disclosed herein,advertising, images, graphics, coupons, regulatory labels, and the likemay be included on various surfaces of the holder and/or packet 3.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizerpacket holder. The holder comprises an opening 8 at or near a top edge.The opening 8 is configured to enable a sanitizer packet to be insertedthrough the opening. The opening may lead to a cavity within the frontwall of the holder, allowing the packet to be enclosed within the frontwall of the holder. The opening may alternatively protrude through theentire front wall, allowing a packet to be inserted through the openingand then attached to a rear surface of the front wall. The holder may beconfigured to have a portion of the sanitizer packet protrude out of theopening 8 (similar to as shown in FIG. 10), or to have the packet notprotrude out of the opening (similar to as shown in FIG. 2). The holdershown in FIG. 11 has an opening 6 at the bottom rather than a base (asshown in FIG. 10). This may be advantageous because the holder may beable to be manufactured using less material than a holder with a base.Under some circumstances, the holder illustrated in FIG. 11 requiresless time and labor to construct and otherwise finalize (e.g., as it mayonly have to be folded at the top edge).

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a sanitizerdispenser comprising a holder and a sanitizer packet 3, the holderhaving a side opening 7 and a base 6. The dispenser shown in FIG. 12 issimilar to the dispenser shown in FIG. 10, except that the packet 3 isattached to an inside surface of the holder, with no portion of thepacket protruding from the holder, rather than having a portion of thepacket protrude from a top edge of the holder.

One of the advantages of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 is thatprinting may be included on all of the outer surfaces of the holder, andthe holder may be positioned on a counter or table with any of the threesides acting as the base 6. Thus, a distributor, for example arestaurant, another retail store or the like, can select the side of thecontainer that will serve as the base 6. Under these circumstances, themanner in which the container is displayed to customers or otherpossible users can be conveniently changed and customized based on thespecific situation. For example, one side may have a list of happy hourmenu items, while another side has a list of breakfast items. Therestaurant may choose to have the happy hour items side be the base 6during breakfast, while choosing the breakfast side to be the base 6during happy hour. Regardless of how the distributor positions thedispenser, a user may pick up the dispenser at any time and tear throughthe holder to open the sanitizer packet 3. The holder may or may notinclude a perforation to assist in tearing through the holder.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizerdispenser 130. The hand sanitizer dispenser 130 includes a holder and asanitizer packet, with the holder having two or more (e.g., three, four,five, more than five, etc.) tabs or other extensions 9 for attaching thepacket to the holder. In this embodiment, the holder can be folded insuch a manner so that it assumed a generally closed or collapsedposition (e.g., to lie flat on a table or counter or to carry in one'spocket). The holder can also be partially opened (as shown in FIG. 13)to allow it to stand or otherwise be propped up (e.g., angled relativeto horizontal) on a table or counter. When a user wants to use thesanitizer, the user can open the front flap of the holder and remove thepacket from the holder, then tear the packet open. Alternatively, theuser can tear through the holder and packet without removing the packetfrom the holder.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the holder folds roughly in half ata center fold and opens like a book. In other embodiments, the holdermay include a fold or folds at the top, opening and closing like amatchbook. The holder may additionally have a flap at the bottom to tuckthe front cover in like a matchbook. Although the embodiment shown inFIG. 13 utilized tabs 9 to retain the packet, various other removable orpermanent methods may be used to retain the packet. For example, in thematchbook example, a sanitizer packet may be held in place by the flapthat the front cover tucks into and/or by a fastener, such as a staplethat goes through the flap that the front cover tucks into. In thisexample, and in various other embodiments, the holder may be configuredto allow the user to remove the packet without damaging or compromisingthe holder. Additionally, in some embodiments, the holder is configuredto allow the user to access the contents of the packet (e.g., byripping, tearing, cutting, etc. an opening in the packet) withoutremoving the packet from the holder, but without damaging orcompromising the holder.

While the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 includes front and back halves ofthe holder that are both substantially rectangular in shape, the halvesmay be shaped differently and may even be shaped differently from eachother. For example, the back half may be substantially rectangular inshape, while the front half has its top and bottom corners cut off orhas a rounded shape or a hole in it to allow a user to see the packetbehind the front half even when the front half is folded against theback half.

FIG. 14 shows a front view of an embodiment of a sanitizer packet 3having a perforation 4 and a curved edge 14. In this embodiment, ratherthan a sanitizer packet having a substantially rectangular shape, thepacket 3 has a curved edge 14 to more comfortably fit in a user's hand.The curved edge 14 may be ergonomically designed. When a user wishes todispense sanitizer from the packet 3, the user may hold the packet 3 inone hand and tear a corner of the packet off along perforation 4 orother compromising feature (e.g., scoring, precut line, weakened portionof the container, etc.).

FIGS. 15 and 16 show an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser 150comprising a holder having a perforation 4 and a hand sanitizer packet3. FIG. 15 shows a front view of the dispenser 150, and FIG. 16 shows aside view of the dispenser. Similar in design to the dispenser shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, the dispenser 150 is substantially flat in shape and thepacket 3 does not extend beyond an outer envelope size of the holder. Inthis embodiment, however, the holder has a generally curved ornon-linear edge. In some embodiments, the curved edge may beergonomically designed to fit in a user's hand comfortably.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispensercomprising a cap 17. For example, FIG. 17 illustrates a front view ofthe container or dispenser, while FIG. 18 illustrates a side view of thecontainer. The container or dispenser may have advertisements, coupons,images, graphics, text, etc. printed on any of its sides or the cap 17.The dispenser may hold several uses of hand sanitizer and be reusable.The cap 17 may be removable or hingedly mounted to the dispenser body,and a closure mechanism, for example a detent and mating protrusion, maybe used to keep the cap 17 closed (e.g., at least partially orcompletely) when not in use. The terms container and dispenser are usedinterchangeably herein.

FIG. 19 shows an embodiment of a fluid container or dispenser comprisinga holder and a packet 3, wherein the holder comprises borders 19, insidesurfaces 20, and a back surface 21. In the illustrated embodiment, thepacket 3 is attached, at least partially, to the outside front surfaceof the holder, leaving the borders 19 viewable around the outside of thepacket 3. A manufacturer or distributor may include graphics, images,text, advertisements, coupons, and the like on the borders 19, theinside surfaces 20, and/or the back surface 21. In some embodiments, theholder comprises one or more perforations and/or other compromisingfeatures to assist a user in selectively opening the sanitizer packet 3(e.g., accessing the interior cavity of the packet).

FIG. 20 shows a front view of an embodiment of a fluid container ordispenser comprising a holder 2 and a packet 3. The holder additionallycomprises a perforation 4 and a bottleneck area 20. In this embodiment,the packet 3 is opened prior to being sealed within holder 2. When auser wishes to dispense the fluid (e.g., sanitizer) from the interiorcavity of the packet, the user may tear off a flap of holder 2 atperforation 4 and then squeeze holder 2. Squeezing holder 2 will forcefluid (e.g., sanitizer) out of the packet and through the bottleneckarea 20, which provides improved control of the fluid flow as it isdispensed. In alternate embodiments, the packet 3 is not opened prior tobeing inserted into holder 2. Instead, the packet 3 is inserted with aportion of the packet 3 fitting within the bottleneck area 20 of holder2. Then, when a user tears the holder 2 at perforation or othercompromising features 4 (e.g., scoring, precut feature or line, etc.),the user simultaneously tears packet 3 open. The user can then squeezeholder 2 to dispense hand sanitizer or other container fluid orsubstance through the bottleneck area 20.

FIGS. 21 and 22 show an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser. FIG.21 is a perspective view of the dispenser and FIG. 22 is a side view ofthe dispenser. In this embodiment, a holder 2 comprises three flapsconnected at folds 210. The holder may be one unitary item or becomprised of more than one component. A packet 3 is attached to theholder 2 on the middle flap, though the packet 3 may be positionedelsewhere in other embodiments. The outer flaps may be folded at thefolds 210 to create a more compact assembly. In FIG. 22 the holder 2 isshown in a partially folded configuration. The packet 3 may be attachedto the holder 2 using any of the methods already described, includingadhering the packet 3 to a surface of the holder 2, partially orcompletely enclosing the packet 3 within a void in holder 2, etc.Additionally, the packet may be removably or permanently attached to theholder 2.

FIGS. 23 and 24 show an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispenser havingopen and closed configurations. FIG. 23 is a front view of the dispenserin a closed or substantially closed configuration, and FIG. 24 is afront view of the dispenser in the open configuration. The dispensercomprises a holder 2 and a packet 3. The holder 2 comprises an opening230 to allow a user access to the packet 3. In this embodiment, thepacket 3 is contained within a void in the holder 2 created by a frontportion and a back portion of the holder 2. The packet 3 may be attachedto the holder 2, or the packet 3 may be held within the void in holder 2by friction between the packet 3 and holder 2. A user may squeeze thesides of holder 2 to change the shape of opening 230 and allow the usereasier access to the packet 3 (as shown in FIG. 24).

One advantage of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, and variousother embodiments, is that the holder 2 does not have to be damaged fora user to access the contents of the packet 3. A user may remove thepacket 3 from the holder 2, and then tear the packet 3 to access itscontents. A user may place the used packet 3 back in the holder 2 afterthe user is done accessing the contents of packet 3 (for example afterthe user is done sanitizing his or her hands). This may be an advantagein situations where users do not wish to see the used packet or wherethe user does not have a place to throw the used packet away. Forexample, a used sanitizer packet may be considered unsightly waste bysome customers of a restaurant. Putting the used packet back in theholder after use may alleviate this concern. In some embodiments, theholder 2 may act similarly to a holder some hotels include a room key inor that credit card companies include a credit card in, because a usercan remove the packet 3, use the packet 3, then place the packet 3 backin the holder 2. Various other embodiments, including those describedelsewhere in this specification, may also allow a user to remove thepacket and return it to the holder after use. In some embodiments, aholder may be reusable and refilled with new fluid packets after aholder's packet is used. A reusable holder may be made out of relativelydurable materials such as plastic, carbon fiber, etc. A reusable holdermay also be made out of less durable materials, such as cardboard, film,etc., though the usable life of the holder may be less than if it wasmade of more durable materials.

FIG. 25 is a front view of an embodiment of a hand sanitizer dispensercomprising a holder 2 with a sanitizer packet attached to a back surfaceof the holder 2. This embodiment is similar in design and function tothe embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, except that in this embodimentthe holder 2 is shaped to resemble a hot dog and may include printingand/or graphics on it to make it further resemble a hot dog. In otherembodiments, the holder may be configured to resemble other food itemsor non-food items. The sanitizer packet may be attached to othersurfaces or contained, at least partially, within a void in the holder,as described in other embodiments.

In some embodiments, a holder of a sanitizer dispenser may include thirdparty advertisements. For example, a restaurant may provide sanitizerdispensers as described herein to its customers, and include a place onthe holder for other companies to advertise to the restaurant'scustomers. This may be advantageous to the distributor (i.e. therestaurant) as an additional revenue stream in addition to therestaurant's main business of selling food to customers. The restaurantcan sell advertising space on its sanitizer dispensers to third partiesso the third parties can advertise products or services that the thirdparty provides. In an example, if a restaurant has an agreement with afilm studio, the film studio may pay the restaurant a certain amount ofmoney to have the restaurant wrap its sanitizer packets in holderscomprising an advertisement for the film studio's latest film releaseand to give those wrapped packets to the restaurant's customers. In someembodiments, a third party advertiser may pay the sanitizer packetdistributor per sanitizer packet distributed. For example, a film studiomay pay a restaurant only for the number of wrapped packets with filmadvertisements that were actually distributed to restaurant customers.

In some embodiments, a fluid packet, such as a hand sanitizer packet,may be partially or entirely wrapped in a holder comprising a thinflexible material that may substantially conform to a shape or contoursof the fluid packet. For example, the holder may be a foil, thin plasticsheet, or film that wraps the packet and allows for information to bedisplayed on it (e.g., advertisements, coupons, business information,etc. as described in other embodiments). Such a holder may beadvantageous to minimize the size of the holder and fluid packetcombination. In some embodiments, the holder may be a heat-shrinkmaterial, such that the fluid packet may be placed entirely or partiallywithin a cavity of the holder, and then heat applied to the holder toshrink the holder to substantially conform to contours of the fluidpacket. In some embodiments, the holder may adhere to the fluid packetusing adhesive, static electricity, or other attaching means.

In some embodiments, a sanitizer dispenser as described herein may begiven to a consumer after he or she purchases a product or service ofthe distributor. In other embodiments, the distributor may distributesanitizer dispensers comprising the distributor's business informationor coupons or the like prior to a sale as a way to gain a potentialcustomer's business.

In some embodiments, a coupon may be included on a tear away flap of ahand sanitizer dispenser. For example, when a user tears through aperforation in the holder to dispense hand sanitizer from the sanitizerpacket, the user may throw away the portion of the dispenser thatincludes the empty sanitizer packet, but keep the portion or flap thatwas torn off. The flap that was torn off may be smaller and easier for acustomer to carry around in a pocket, wallet, purse, etc. as a reminderto return to the restaurant and use the coupon on the flap.

In some cases, a distributor may utilize multiple embodiments ofsanitizer dispensers. For example, a restaurant may utilize thedispenser shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 for “dine in” customers by standing thedispenser on each table. The restaurant may also utilize the dispensershown in FIGS. 4 and 5 for “take away” customers, because it may besmaller and easier to place in a take away bag. A restaurant may evengive sanitizer packets without holders to take away customers, whileusing dispensers with holders for dine in customers.

Although several embodiments described herein are described withreference to hand sanitizer, it should be understood that theembodiments described herein could be used with various products,fluids, and chemicals. For example, various embodiments could be used todispense cleansing wipes, food products, condiments, paint, etc. Thepacket may be a cleaning product container that contains other types ofcleaning products or other fluids or substances (e.g., soaps,fragrances, lotions, crèmes, serums, ointments, pharmaceuticals or othermedicaments, etc.) instead of hand sanitizer.

Although these inventions have been disclosed in the context of certainpreferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that the present inventions extend beyond thespecifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodimentsand/or uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalentsthereof. Additionally, the skilled artisan will recognize that any ofthe above-described methods can be carried out using any appropriateapparatus. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature,aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element,or the like in connection with an embodiment can be used in all otherembodiments set forth herein. For all of the embodiments describedherein the steps of the methods need not be performed sequentially.Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention hereindisclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodimentsdescribed above.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fluid container for storing fluid andselectively providing access to a volume of said fluid, said fluidcontainer comprising: a fluid packet for containing a volume of fluid,said fluid packet comprising at least one layer defining an interiorcavity, said interior cavity configured to maintain said volume of fluidprotected from an outside environment when said at least one layer ismaintained in a non-compromised state; wherein at least a portion of thevolume of fluid is configured to be accessed when the at least one layeris compromised, allowing fluid to be selectively discharged from theinterior cavity; a holder configured to at least partially secure to thefluid packet, said holder comprising a main portion and at least onesupport portion; wherein the main portion of the holder comprises afirst side and a second side, the fluid packet being secured, at leastin part, to the second side of the main portion; wherein the first sideof the main portion is configured to display information; and the atleast one support portion being at least partially attached to the mainportion, said at least one support portion being configured to maintainthe main portion in at least a partially upright position.
 2. The fluidcontainer of claim 1, wherein the fluid packet is additionally securedto the at least one support portion of the holder.
 3. The fluidcontainer of claim 1, wherein the fluid packet is removably secured tothe holder.
 4. The fluid container of claim 1, wherein the fluid packetis secured to the holder using at least one adhesive.
 5. The fluidcontainer of claim 1, wherein the fluid packet is permanently orirremovably secured to the holder.
 6. The fluid container of claim 1,wherein the at least one layer of the fluid packet comprises foil. 7.The fluid container of claim 1, wherein the fluid packet is compromisedby at least partially tearing the at least one layer to exposed fluidcontained within the interior cavity of the fluid packet.
 8. The fluidcontainer of claim 1, wherein the information displayed along the firstside of the main portion comprises at least one of: an advertisement, awarning or other regulatory information, an instruction for use and acoupon.
 9. The fluid container of claim 1, wherein the at least onesupport of the holder is attached to the main portion along a top of theat least one support and a top of main portion.
 10. The fluid containerof claim 1, wherein the at least one support forms a generally unitarystructure with the main portion.
 11. A fluid container for storing fluidand selectively providing access to a volume of said fluid, said fluidcontainer comprising: a fluid packet for containing a volume of fluid,said fluid packet comprising at least one layer defining an interiorcavity, said interior cavity configured to maintain said volume of fluidprotected from an outside environment when said at least one layer ismaintained in a non-compromised state; wherein at least a portion of thevolume of fluid is configured to be accessed when the at least one layeris compromised, allowing fluid to be selectively discharged from theinterior cavity; a holder configured to at least partially secure to thefluid packet; wherein the holder comprises a first side and a secondside, the fluid packet being secured, at least in part, to the secondside of the holder; wherein the first side of the holder is configuredto display information; and at least one predetermined compromisinglocation along the holder; wherein when the holder is compromised alongthe at least one predetermined location by a user, the at least onelayer of the fluid packet is also compromised to selectively provideaccess to the interior cavity of the fluid packet; and wherein at leasta portion of the holder is configured to be maintained by a user afterthe interior cavity of the fluid packet has been accessed.
 12. The fluidcontainer of claim 11, wherein the holder at least partiallyencapsulates or surrounds the fluid packet.
 13. The fluid container ofclaim 11, wherein the holder fully encapsulates or surrounds the fluidpacket so as to hide said fluid packet from a user handling anon-compromised fluid container.
 14. The fluid container of claim 11,wherein the fluid packet is removably or permanently secured to theholder.
 15. The fluid container of claim 11, wherein the fluid packetcomprises at least one bottleneck area through which fluid is dischargedfrom the interior cavity of said fluid packet when the at least onelayer of said fluid packet is compromised.
 16. The fluid container ofclaim 11, wherein the at least one predetermined compromising locationcomprises at least one of a tear, cut or rip line, a partially pre-cutportion, a scored portion and a perforated portion.
 17. A fluidcontainer for storing fluid and selectively providing access to a volumeof said fluid, said fluid container comprising: a fluid packet forcontaining a volume of fluid, said fluid packet comprising at least onelayer defining an interior cavity, said interior cavity configured tomaintain said volume of fluid protected from an outside environment whensaid at least one layer is maintained in a non-compromised state;wherein at least a portion of the volume of fluid is configured to beaccessed when the at least one layer is compromised, allowing fluid tobe selectively discharged from the interior cavity; a holder configuredto at least partially secure to the fluid packet; wherein the holder atleast partially encapsulates or surrounds the fluid packet to at leastpartially hide said fluid packet before the fluid container iscompromised or otherwise used; wherein the holder is configured todisplay information; wherein the holder comprises at least onepredetermined compromising location; wherein when the holder iscompromised along the at least one predetermined location by a user, theat least one layer of the fluid packet is also compromised toselectively provide access to the interior cavity of the fluid packet;and wherein at least a portion of the holder is configured to bemaintained by a user after the interior cavity of the fluid packet hasbeen accessed.
 18. The fluid container of claim 17, wherein the holderfully encapsulates or surrounds the fluid packet so as to completely orsubstantially hide said fluid packet from a user handling anon-compromised fluid container.
 19. The fluid container of claim 11,wherein the fluid packet is removably or permanently secured to theholder.
 20. The fluid container of claim 11, wherein the fluid packetcomprises at least one bottleneck area through which fluid is dischargedfrom the interior cavity of said fluid packet when the at least onelayer of said fluid packet is compromised.